Abstract The paper derives from a long-term research program that is aimed at developing qualitative and quantitative design guidelines to influence mechanical surface treatments in order to improve the fatigue life of structural components. A four point bending test rig was developed using finite element analysis. High cycle fatigue tests were performed on plane specimens taken from Ti 6Al 4V forgings with mill-annealed or bimodal microstructure. The high cycle fatigue behaviour of specimens with two different surface conditions (as-forged and machined) was compared. In order to assess the fatigue failure mechanisms, detailed investigations of the surface layer were carried out. Residual stresses were shown to play an important role in fatigue.